A two-wheeler concept in beating traffic
15 May 2001: It's a new concept in motorbiking. And it could go a long way towards helping sort out Dublin's gridlock.The BMW C1 is a motorbike with a roof. And a seatbelt. And a full safety cell as we expect from cars. It is powered by a 125cc engine outputting 15bhp, and you can have it with ABS.
And when it is finally approved by the relevant Government department here, it will be readily available for around £6,000. You CAN order one at the moment.
Just now, BMW franchisees Motor Import Ltd are holding off a major marketing campaign on the C1 until they get a decision on whether or not the bike can be ridden without a helmet, given its unique safety properties.
Currently it has such helmet exemptions in Austria, Belgium, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal and Turkey.
Pending the decision, Motor Import's Dene McQuaid is already a confirmed C1 aficionado, and rides his to and from work every day.
The best salesmen truly believe in their products, it is said. But the truly best use them too.